Thursday, October 20, 2011

Dean River 2011... What A Year! Book Now For The Simon Gawesworth School in 2012!


In June this year, Dana and I set out to Anahim Lake where we were scheduled to catch a small float plane into the Dean River.
Stevie was there waiting for us and he and I were anxious to see if we could hook into some Dean River Chinook.
Clients didn't arrive for another week, and we were eager to do some "research".
The water was especially high this Spring and the murky flow was a little concerning. Both wading and casting were difficult with the water so high in the trees, but the fishing proved incredible regardless.
Early steelhead were around and the Chinook fishing was off the charts! It is truly the only fishery that I will openly admit scares the hell out of me.
These fish are almost as big as I am, and while they aren't overly long, they are wide enough to hold most of their weight. We hooked into fish up to 65 pounds and spent a great deal of time standing in shock as we stared at our bare hooks after battling with a monster.
Even landed the first fish that I couldn't successfully pick up (the 30 minute fight didn't help... excuses, excuses, I know.)
Guests arrived the following week.... and fishing stayed hot!
Just as a brief side note, we are excited to announce that Simon Gawesworth will be joining us in June next year for a Chinook/Early Steelhead Spey School.
Only two spaces left... email info@flygal.ca to book.
Before long, the steelhead were numerous and the days flew fast as Stevie and I were kept busy while tailing fish and toasting the fish Gods.
We had some incredible anglers and personalities join us at the lodge... With accommodations of only 6, the nights were often long and the laughs were endless.
The season seemed to fly by and while the stories are countless, they'll have to wait for another day.
Here's a taste of some of our favorite people...
To be perfectly honest, words can't do the season justice... I'll let the pictures do the talking:

We are almost full for next year but do have some spaces available. Email info@flygal.ca to book for the Simon Gawesworth school or for one of our open slots.
Hope to see you there!
April.